Reuk 1650 - 1665

Richard Gaywood etched "Reuk" around 1660, capturing the sense of smell through curious symbols. The most prominent is a dog, guided by a gentleman to sniff something held aloft. Dogs, across epochs, have been potent symbols of fidelity, but here, the act of sniffing transcends mere loyalty. Consider the floating figures above, evocative of classical sculptures, yet unsettlingly detached. These recall ancient Roman depictions of triumph, where captured enemies were displayed. But what are these figures displaying here? The presence of flowers, being sorted by the women, connects to the olfactory experience, a reminder of life's fleeting beauty. This act of smelling is a primal connection, stirring emotions and memories buried deep within us. The scent is a transient messenger, a fleeting moment that echoes through history. The cyclical nature of sensory experience, its ability to evoke the past, invites us to reflect on how smell has shaped our perceptions, and how, through art, these perceptions are eternally preserved.